Comparison Between Plastic and Compostable Packaging

In an era where climate change and plastic pollution dominate global concerns, businesses are under increasing pressure to choose sustainable packaging solutions. Whether you're a retail brand, an online shop owner, or a manufacturer, the packaging you choose not only affects the planet it shapes how your customers perceive your values.

One of the most common dilemmas today is the debate: Plastic vs Compostable Packaging. While traditional plastic offers affordability and durability, compostable alternatives promise eco-friendliness and a cleaner lifecycle. But is it really that simple?

• How to Recycle Biodegradable Plastic – The Complete Recycling Process
• Recyclable vs Compostable vs Biodegradable – What’s the Difference?
• Biodegradable vs Non‑Biodegradable: Explanation & Smart Packaging Choices for Businesses

What Is Plastic? What Is Compostable Packaging?

Conventional Plastic Packaging

Traditional plastic packaging is made from petroleum-based materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). These materials are cheap to produce, durable, lightweight, and highly resistant to moisture making them ideal for mass-market packaging.

The problem? Plastic doesn’t disappear. It can take up to 500–1000 years to degrade, and even then, it often breaks down into harmful microplastics that pollute soil, waterways, and marine life. Recycling rates remain low, and single-use plastics often end up in landfills or the ocean.

Compostable Packaging

Compostable packaging, on the other hand, is made from plant-based, renewable materials like cornstarch, bagasse (sugarcane waste), and polylactic acid (PLA). Under the right conditions, it can break down into water, carbon dioxide, and nutrient-rich biomass leaving no toxic residue behind.

Importantly, compostable packaging must meet international standards such as ASTM D6400 or EN 13432 to ensure full breakdown within 180 days in industrial composting facilities.

Environmental Impact: How They Break Down

How Plastic Degrades

Plastic doesn’t truly “decompose.” Instead, it goes through photodegradation breaking into smaller pieces when exposed to sunlight. These fragments, known as microplastics, can persist in ecosystems for centuries.

Even when plastics are “biodegradable,” they may not break down fully. Many simply fragment into microplastics without fully converting into harmless substances posing a long-term threat to marine and land-based ecosystems.

How Compostable Packaging Breaks Down

Compostable packaging is designed to break down completely and safely, but only in specific environments. Under high heat, humidity, and the presence of microorganisms (typically found in industrial composting facilities), compostable packaging can degrade into carbon dioxide, water, and compost all beneficial to the soil.

However, if compostables end up in regular trash or landfills (where oxygen is limited), they may release methane, a potent greenhouse gas defeating their purpose.

The Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable Plastic

This is one of the most misunderstood concepts in sustainable packaging.

Biodegradable plastic refers to plastic that can break down over time, typically via microbial activity. However, this process is slow, unpredictable, and often incomplete leaving microplastics or chemical residues.

Compostable plastic, by contrast, is specifically engineered to break down completely under composting conditions, leaving behind no toxic residue and even benefiting the environment.

Quick Comparison Table

Pros and Cons of Each Packaging Type

Pros and Cons of Plastic Packaging

Advantages:

• Inexpensive and scalable for mass production.
• Lightweight and highly durable.
• Moisture and air resistant.
• Long shelf life.

Disadvantages:

• Non-renewable and non-biodegradable.
• Produces long-lasting waste and microplastics.
• Requires complex and often inefficient recycling systems.
• Increasingly frowned upon by eco-conscious consumers.

Pros and Cons of Compostable Packaging

Advantages:

• Derived from renewable, plant-based sources.
• Breaks down into non-toxic, compostable materials.
• Enhances brand image for sustainability.
• Appeals to eco-aware customers and businesses.

Disadvantages:

• Higher production and material costs.
• May require specific disposal methods (composting facilities).
• Shorter shelf life or heat sensitivity.
• Often misunderstood or disposed of incorrectly.

What is Biodegradable Packaging? Everything You Need to Know

Real-World Challenges: Infrastructure & Waste Management

While compostable packaging sounds ideal, real-world infrastructure often falls short.

• In many countries, industrial composting facilities are limited. For example, in the U.S., less than 10% of the population has access to curbside composting.
• If compostable plastics are sent to landfills, they may not break down properly due to the lack of oxygen and microbial activity leading to the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Many consumers still don’t understand the difference between recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable packaging. As a result, compostables are often thrown in recycling bins, contaminating the recycling stream and rendering it useless.
• On the flip side, plastic recycling is only partially effective less than 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment.

When Should You Use Plastic, Compostable, or Biodegradable Packaging?

Not every business can switch to compostables overnight. The right choice depends on your products, your customers, and your waste management access.

Use Compostable Packaging when:

• Your local area has access to industrial composting or private collection services.
• You’re targeting eco-conscious consumers willing to pay a premium for sustainability.
• Your product has a relatively short shelf life and doesn’t require airtight protection.
• Your brand values emphasize zero-waste and circular economy principles.

Use Biodegradable Packaging when:

• Composting isn’t available, but you want an intermediate step toward sustainability.
• You plan to provide clear disposal guidance and educational materials.
• You understand that it may take months or years to degrade in nature and you’re okay with that tradeoff.

Use Plastic Packaging when:

• You need long shelf life, moisture resistance, and maximum durability.
• Cost and supply chain efficiency are critical for your margins.
• You have a closed-loop recycling system in place or offer a take-back program.

Alternative and Emerging Sustainable Solutions

Innovation in sustainable packaging is moving fast. If compostables or recyclables aren’t perfect for you yet, these emerging alternatives may be:

Edible Packaging

• Made from seaweed, starches, or rice paper.
• Zero waste, safe to eat or dissolve in water.
• Best for single-serve items, snacks, or beverages.
• Example: Evoware (seaweed-based wraps), Notpla (edible sauce pods).

Reusable Packaging

• Deposit-return or “loop” systems for containers and bags.
• Adopted by Starbucks, Burger King, and local zero-waste stores.
• Requires logistics and consumer education but drastically cuts waste.

Bioplastic Innovations

• Companies like Polymateria and Footprint are developing fully degradable plastics that break down safely without microplastic residues.
• Still in early stages but show promise for packaging that functions like plastic with better end-of-life results.

Expert Advice & Case Studies

Case Study 1: Vegware (UK)

• Offers fully certified compostable packaging for the food industry.
• Partners with local composting facilities for closed-loop collection.
• Provides clear labels and education materials to reduce contamination.

Case Study 2: Footprint (USA)

• Manufactures fiber-based trays, containers, and drinkware.
• Partnered with Walmart and Nestlé to replace styrofoam.
• Focuses on PFAS-free, microwave-safe, and compostable solutions.

Conclusion

Choosing between plastic, biodegradable, and compostable packaging isn't black and white. The best solution depends on:

• Your product’s needs (shelf life, moisture control, branding).
• Your customers (are they environmentally conscious?).
• Local waste management infrastructure.
• Your long-term goals (cost, reputation, environmental impact).

At the end of the day, no packaging is truly zero-impact, but some options are far less harmful than others.